Paranormal researchers

"Always look for the normal before the paranormal," she said. "Not everything is paranormal."

Paranormal can be described as activity outside of scientific laws or contrary to nature. The stuff of ghosts or spirits, for example. Paranormal activity is a popular subject for many TV shows such as "Paranormal Witness" and "Ghost Adventures" explore the paranormal.

MENDENHALL AND HER HUSBAND, Allen, gave a presentation in Forest City recently sponsored by the Forest City Public Library. Their overview covered what the paranormal research team does, some of the equipment they use and why they do it.

During the presentation, the Mendenhalls were wearing T-shirts that said, "Where there's darkness, we shine a light."

"Fear is basically overcome by education and that's why we do what we do," Mendenhall said. "We investigate and educate."

Forest City Public Library director Christa Cosgriff found out about the program because the Lake Mills library had put on a similar event and she decided to have a program in Forest City.

"We talk about the misinformation you see on TV, what it takes to be an investigator, some of the evidence we capture, some of the lesser known haunts in Iowa and cautionary things about people jumping out and investigating" Mendenhall said.

PROGRAM ATTENDEES ARE USUALLY most fascinated by some of the data collected by the research team.

"People love to see the evidence," Mendenhall said. "I always save the evidence for last."

Aside from the presentations throughout the year, Mendenhall also teaches classes through Iowa Central.

When not presenting or teaching Mendenhall spends time in the field with the Paranormal Researchers of Iowa.

The team was formed in 2009 and is based in Fort Dodge. There are six members who work with the group. They travel around the state and never charge a fee for conducting an investigation.

"We all go at different things different ways," Allen Mendenhall said. "We may leave a place and think, that was boring, we didn't get anything and then we listen to one of our voice recorders and it's like 'wow.'"

THE PARANORMAL RESEARCHERS predominantly spend time helping out private individuals.

"Our primary focus is helping families," Mendenhall said. "If they need help, we are there to help."

The Mendenhalls have done investigations in houses, public buildings, restaurants and hotels.

An average investigation on-site lasts 10 hours. Then analysis can take another 200 hours off-site.

"It can take a few weeks after we get it done," Mendenhall said. "We also have jobs, life and family."

THE GROUP USES A NUMBER of instruments to help gather data. Examples include cameras, spectrometers and voice recorders.

"Things are advancing at warp speed," Mendenhall said. "We are way beyond where we were five years before."

What keeps Mendenhall coming back is the inquisitive nature of the job.

"Questions lead to more questions," Mendenhall said. "You never know everything. I will be in a wheelchair doing this."